The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Tom Lawson, issued the following statement:
“It is with great sadness that I learned that Corporal Nathan Cirillo succumbed to the injuries he suffered after being shot while on sentry duty at the National War Memorial this morning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Cpl Cirillo’s family, friends and loved ones during this shocking time of loss, and pledge our support for them, as we would the families of any of our men and women who fall in the performance of their duty.
“While the incident is under investigation, we will continue to collaborate with our Government of Canada partners to assess the current security environment and are evaluating the need for additional security measures at Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) installations within the National Capital Region and elsewhere in Canada to ensure the on-going safety of our members, and the entire Defence Team.
“This event, coupled with Monday’s tragedy in Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu which resulted in the death of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, is a loss which saddens us all. Yet we remain undeterred in our mission to protect Canada and Canadians. We will carry on all our missions at home and abroad in a steadfast, resolute and vigilant manner, and serve our nation and her people.”
